For the first time as a station wagon and an ATV. The new generation of BMW M3 and M4 also brings a revolutionary design

The alpha and omega of BMW sports, however, remains the powertrain. Under the classically bulged front hood is a twice-supercharged six-cylinder S58 with a volume of three liters. In the BMW offer, this engine was used only for the second time, the first to get it was the SUV X3 M and X4 M. In the bowels of the M3 and M4 it is tuned to 353 kW and 550 Nm, in the M3 and M4 Competition models it has 375 kW and 650 Nm.

The weaker design has rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission as standard, making the combination for the M3 virtually the most conical. Manual shifting also has automatic intermediate gases for smooth downshifting when braking into corners. However, this function can be deactivated. On the other hand, the Competition variant has a standard eight-speed automatic with the possibility of manual shifting.

The rear wheelbarrow is standard as well, but for the first time ever, the M3 and M4 have the option of paying extra for xDrive all-wheel drive in the Competition version. The power between the front and rear axles is divided by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, but the ATV also includes an active M differential (all versions with rear-wheel drive only have one) on the rear axle.

If you ask why, because of the distribution of power only between the rear wheels, the drive system normally prefers the rear axle. Only in worse traction conditions will the front wheels be connected. However, the ATV works in several modes that the driver can adjust himself, including a fixed setting of power transmission only to the rear axle without the intervention of assistance systems.

Dynamically, the M3 sedan and the M4 coupe are exactly the same – from 0 to 100 km / h they accelerate in 4.2 seconds and drive a maximum of 250 km / h or 290 km / h with an optionally unlocked limiter. The performance of the Competition is faster, when the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes both models 3.9 seconds. The maximum speed is then the same as for the weaker design. BMW has not yet published the parameters for all-wheel drive, as it will not go on sale until the summer of next year.

In the case of both models, the exhaust pipe with an electronically controlled and adjustable damper takes care of the proper soundtrack. You can adjust the intensity of the six-cylinder. The standard of the new generation of BMW sports cars is also an adaptive chassis with electronically controlled shock absorbers, which work in three modes. The steering then has a variable transmission and can be used in one of two setting modes, which differs, for example, by the amount of information that is transmitted from the front wheels to the steering wheel. It is also possible to set the stability control in several modes, which can also be switched off completely, the slingshot traction control even works in ten different stages.

The most controversial part of the new generation of M3 and M4, however, is the external appearance in several places of the reinforced body with vertically oriented kidneys. The classic 4 series has the same solution, but the 3 series is the premiere. Due to the modified axles, extended fenders are also typical, which are standardly filled with 18-inch wheels at the front and 19-inch wheels at the rear. All-wheel drive models will always have forged rims one inch larger. Behind the wheels are hidden discs with a diameter of 380 mm at the front and 370 mm, or optional carbon-ceramic brakes with a diameter of 400 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear.

A carbon exterior package is optional on both models, while a lightweight carbon fiber roof is standard. As well as LED lights at the front and rear, a black diffuser or black painting of some elements in the Competition version.

The cabin visually does not bring too much surprise. For example, a steering wheel with red buttons is specific, and sports seats are also standard. Shell seats with carbon fiber construction are available at an additional cost. This significantly relieves them, compared to conventional seats by up to 9.6 kg. After all, there can be more optional carbon elements in the cab, for example in the form of decorative strips or shift levers for models with automatic.

A novelty is the M Drive Professional function, which should help the driver find the ideal racing track on the circuit and also ride a clean bike. It also includes a function that records the duration or angle of the drift. Measuring the time of the current lap is also a matter of course.

The new generation of BMW M3 and M4 can now be ordered with the entry into the market in March next year. The Czech representation also published the prices of all versions. The classic M3 costs from 2,233,400 crowns, the M3 Competition comes to 2,340,000 crowns, the M4 starts at 2,273,700 crowns and finally the M4 Competition starts at 2,380,300 crowns. There will be a fairly extensive list of optional extras, such as the M Race Track package, which will lighten the car by about 25 kg when it includes, among other things, carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter wheels or shell seats.

There are also sports elements from the M Performance Parts catalog. These include forged wheels with a diameter of 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, a lowered chassis or a carbon diffuser with centrally located titanium exhaust pipes.

And one big news at the end. In addition to all-wheel drive, the BMW M3 will also be available for the first time with a station wagon body. However, according to the carmaker, its roughly two-year testing is still at the beginning, so those interested have to wait a while longer. On the contrary, next year the M4 will certainly come with a canvas retractable roof.

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